Apple 3G iPad not confirmed for Australia

Australia may miss out on Apple's iPad when the US consumer electronics maker releases the 3G version of the device in April.

Apple today in San Francisco announced two models - one with Wi-Fi and the other also with 3G - each with 16GB, 32GB and 64GB of flash memory at prices from $US499 to $US829 ($A556-$A$925).The Wi-Fi-only model will be available in late March, the 3G version to go on sale a month later.

But an Apple Australia spokesman could not confirm if Australia was on the list of countries first to get the 3G tablet device.

Gabriel Kamkindji, Apple product manager for distributor Simms told CRN that if Australia was excluded from the release it was most likely because of new technologies used in the 3G version.

When Jobs unveiled the iPad this morning he said the Wi-fi plus 3G version used a new type of SIM card dubbed the micro SIM or "third form factor" card - a smaller, incompatible  version of the popular SIM cards used in mobile phones today.

"I haven't heard of that before and maybe the local guys could not have [either]," Kamkindji said. 

He said that much like the first iPhone, which saw its international release delayed for technological reasons, Apple would again do something similar with the iPad.

"The Australian [Apple] market is fantastic - the entire channel included - we do punch above our weight. But we are slightly behind when it comes to the technology.

"All it is, is the technology, initially with the iPhone the infrastructure wasn't there for some countries. [Countries] weren't prepared for data [use] and had ‘bill shock'. A term used to describe unexpected bills by carriers due to increased data usage.

Apple has confirmed that WI-Fi version will be available worldwide in March. International prices are to be announced.

Who will sell it?

Apple did not answer questions about what type of stores will be the first to sell the iPad.

Jobs said it will be unlocked but whether the first arrivals will be sold through the Apple Store, carriers or authorised resellers is unknown.

Stewart Lochhead, an employee of Apple reseller Powermedia Systems was "excited about the release".

He said that resellers usually received products about the same time they hit the Apple Store.

Opportunities

Resellers can prepare for the iPad's arrival by stockpiling accessories likely to be popular.

Simms recently signed a distribution agreement with Zagg that specilises in scratch-proof protectors for devices such as the iPhone or iPad.

Kamkindji said the Invisibleshield by Zagg is scalabe and the company has "probably specificied it out [for the iPad] already".

He said resellers can expect accessories for iPad: "Apple always does two or three accessories but they leave accessories up to the market [for the rest]".

For CRN Australia's first look at the device, click here.